THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS IN ART

Symbolism and mythology have surrounded the history of flowers for thousands of years, influencing our responses and provoking emotions. During the Victorian period, flowers were used as symbols and gestures of sentiments. Many Artists and writers also assigned meaning to the flowers used in paintings. Shakespeare used flowers and plants to convey emotion. Ophelia wore flowers as symbols of her deep sorrow and grief.

In Asian Art, the lotus, which has petals that open when the sun comes up and closes at sunset, symbolizes birth and rebirth. The intoxicating jasmine flower in Hindu art represents love.As a flower which blindly follows the sun, sunflowers have become a symbol of infatuation or foolish passion. The thistle, a thorny plant with a beautiful flower, represents both evil and protection. In Christianity it represents the suffering of Christ.

Flowers and their historic meanings compiled by the Society of American Florists.